Hints & Tips

For this newsletter we will take a look at some of the common questions asked where answers are not so obvious. During the training courses, many of these questions are explained but for those who have been unable to attend....

Spring Time
We are often asked about the best CAD methods for creating thread geometry to be used within a 3D model. Previously we would have recommended a solution that involved using 1 drive 2 shape surfaces. This method is still a valid approach but a relatively new command has been introduced to manage this exact situation. The major advantage of the SOLID > HELICAL SURFACE command is that it automatically manages the correct alignment for the shape curve and also provides the ability to create both left & right hand threads.

The Start Angle represents the angle at where the surface will begin. For example, a value of 0 (zero) will force the surface to start at 3 o'clock. Using a value of 90 will force the surface to begin at 12 o'clock.

The Angular Displacement represents the angle of revolution. For example, a value of 360 represents one complete revolution (mathematical expressions can be used).

The Start Radius represents the radius of the helical curve.

The Pitch represents the Z height between each revolution.

The Taper Angle represents the angle applied to the helical curve.

As the resulting geometry is created as a surface, to solidify the model, it is only necessary to create a linear ruled surface at the back of the thread, unite and finally use the option to close to solid.

CAM Navigator - Keyboard Mapping (v16)
This option allows you to map some of the most common functions to a specific key on your keyboard. This allows the user to speed-up some of the most used functions improving the ergonomics of the system. By default the mapped functions are:

• [ b ] - Build operation
• [ t ] - Toolpath laboratory
• [ s ] - Toolpath display on/off
• [ p ] - Properties
• [ a ] - Add operation
• [ c ] - Run compass technology
• [ f ] - Explode all CAM setups on/off
• [ r ] - Run feature recognition
  

If you have any tips or tricks that you would like to share, please email me with a short description (marc@vero.co.uk) and I will add them to a future Vero Newsletter.

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